Diljit Dosanjh, a celebrated Punjabi singer and actor, has long been a beloved figure in Bharatiya entertainment. Diljit Dosanjh is currently at the center of a major controversy in Bharat, primarily due to his involvement in the film Sardaar Ji 3 and his collaboration with Pakistani actress Hania Aamir. Here’s a breakdown of the key issues:
Collaboration with Pakistani Actress Amid Tensions
Diljit cast Hania Aamir in Sardaar Ji 3, a horror-comedy film released overseas on June 27, 2025. This move sparked outrage because it came shortly after the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, which killed 26 people. In response, Bharatiya film bodies had reinforced a ban on Pakistani artists.
Boycott Calls and Industry Backlash
The Federation of Western Bharat Cine Employees (FWICE) issued a public boycott against Diljit and demanded his removal from the upcoming war film Border 2, citing his “unpatriotic act”.
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) reportedly refused to certify Sardaar Ji 3 for Bharatiya release.
Film associations were instructed to cease all cooperation with Diljit unless he issued a public apology and distanced himself from the project.
However, in recent years, he has found himself at the center of multiple controversies, with critics accusing him of harboring anti-Bharat sentiments and sympathizing with the Khalistani movement. These allegations have sparked heated debates across social media, political circles, and the entertainment industry.
Here are few examples:
- The Met Gala Controversy: Alleged Khalistan Map
In May 2025, Dosanjh attended the Met Gala in New York wearing a designer outfit by Prabal Gurung. The back of the outfit featured a stylized map that some social media users claimed resembled a “Khalistani map”—a depiction of a proposed independent Sikh state 1. The ambiguous design, which included Punjabi script, led to a wave of online backlash, with critics labeling Dosanjh a “puppet of Khalistani separatists.”
Neither Dosanjh nor the designer publicly addressed the controversy, which only fueled speculation. Supporters argued that the interpretation was subjective and that the outfit was a piece of artistic expression rather than a political statement.
- Farmers’ Protest and National Allegiances
Dosanjh was a vocal supporter of the 2020–2021 Bharatiya farmers’ protest, which itself became a flashpoint for accusations of separatism. During this period, he donated generously to protestors and used his platform to amplify their voices. While many praised his solidarity, right-wing groups like the Bajrang Dal accused him of making “anti-national remarks” and promoting Khalistani ideology.
These claims resurfaced during his 2025 tour in Indore, where protests erupted demanding the cancellation of his concert. Dosanjh responded by stating, “Kisi ko prove karne ki zarurat nahi hoti ki aap kaun ho” (One doesn’t need to prove who they are), emphasizing his identity as an artist and humanitarian.
- ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ and the Bharat-Pakistan Cultural Divide
Another major controversy erupted with the release of Sardaar Ji 3, in which Dosanjh starred opposite Pakistani actress Hania Aamir. The film faced censorship in Bharat and was accused of undermining national sentiment by promoting cross-border collaboration during a time of strained Bharat-Pakistan relations.
The Federation of Western Bharat Cine Employees (FWICE) demanded that Dosanjh be removed from the upcoming war film Border 2, citing his failure to put “nation first.” While they lacked the authority to blacklist him, they threatened a “civil protest” by refusing to work on any project involving him.
Conclusion: Art, Identity, and Nationalism
The controversies surrounding Diljit Dosanjh highlight the complex intersection of art, identity, and nationalism in contemporary Bharat. While critics accuse him of anti-national behavior, supporters argue that his actions reflect a commitment to humanitarian values and artistic freedom.
As of now, no legal action has been taken against Dosanjh, and he continues to maintain a significant fan base both in Bharat and abroad. Whether these controversies will impact his career in the long term remains to be seen, but they undeniably reflect the way Celebrities like Dosanjh are misusing his clout to create unnecessary controversies every now and then.
